Test of everyday attention

The Test of Everyday Attention (TEA) is designed to measure attention in adults age 18 through 80 years. The test comprises 8 subsets that represent everyday tasks and has three parallel forms. It assess three aspects of attentional functioning: selective attention, sustained attention, and mental shifting.

Test subsets

The subsets include the following:

• Map Search: looking at a large map of Philadelphia, patients search for symbols (selective attention)
• Elevator Counting: subjects listen to a series of tones, and must indicate a floor number
• Visual Elevator: subjects must count up and down in response to a series of visually presented "floors"
• Telephone Search: subjects must identify symbols in a simulated telephone directory, in some versions counting audio tones at the same time
• Lottery: subjects are asked to listen for their 'winning number' presented on audio tape, then write down the two letters preceding a specified number

TEA-Ch

There is also a version available for children and adolescents aged 6 to 15 years and 11 months, called the Test of Everyday Attention for Children (TEA-Ch). The TEA-Ch has 9 subsets and two parallel forms. Administration time is 55 to 60 minutes.

TEA-Ch subsets

Selective attention is measured by two tasks requiring the ability to detect targets from distractors:

• Sky Search
• Map Mission

Sustained attention is measured by four tasks:

• Score
• Score DT
• Code Transmission
• Walk/Don't Walk

Further reading

• Strauss, Esther; Sherman, Elizabeth M.; Spreen, Otfried (2006). A Compendium of Neuropsychological Tests: Administration, Norms, and Commentary. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-515957-8. Retrieved 14 July 2013.